Learning Support

    Industry Qualifications
    Vocational

    Specification: 600/6205/8

    The INDUSTRY-QUALIFICATIONS Vocational Learning Support specification covers 23 topics with 44 learning objectives (600/6205/8). Use the topic browser below to explore subtopics, exam tips, common mistakes, and key terminology for each area of the course.

    This subject will help you develop key knowledge and skills required for exam success.

    23

    Units

    44

    Learning Outcomes

    91

    Assessment Guidance

    96

    Key Skills

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    Key Features

    • Master key concepts
    • Develop exam technique
    • Apply knowledge effectively

    Common Exam Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

    • •Confusing objective observation with personal interpretation or judgment when recording session outcomes.
    • •Overstepping professional boundaries by attempting to lead or alter the therapy session without the therapist’s guidance.
    • •Neglecting to prepare the environment and resources fully, leading to disruptions or safety risks during the session.
    • •Failing to maintain confidentiality of sensitive pupil information when discussing therapy sessions outside of professional contexts.
    • •Not seeking clarification from the therapist when instructions are unclear, resulting in ineffective support.
    • •Learners often assume that one communication style fits all children, failing to adjust language and approach for different ages, needs, or backgrounds.
    • •Many learners struggle to maintain professional boundaries, oversharing personal information or becoming too informal with pupils and parents, which can undermine the professional relationship.
    • •A frequent error is misunderstanding the limits of confidentiality; learners may believe that all information must be kept secret, rather than recognising safeguarding duties that require information sharing in certain circumstances.

    Top Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for exam success

    • •Always reference the specific therapy plan and the role of the support worker in your portfolio evidence to demonstrate understanding of professional responsibilities.
    • •Use specific examples from your placement to illustrate how you prepared for, supported, and recorded a therapy session, linking theory to practice.
    • •Ensure all written records are factual, dated, and signed, and avoid subjective language to meet assessment criteria for observation skills.
    • •In review reflections, explicitly connect your observations to the pupil’s individual targets and suggest practical ways to integrate therapy goals into daily classroom activities.
    • •When compiling portfolio evidence, ensure each example explicitly describes how you adapted your communication to the situation, referencing specific techniques and the rationale behind them.
    • •In written tasks, always link your practice to relevant legislation and policies by name (e.g., 'In line with our school’s Confidentiality Policy and the UK GDPR…') to demonstrate a strong grasp of legal requirements.
    • •For observed assessments, be mindful of your body language and active listening—examiners will look for these as indicators of genuine engagement with children and adults.
    • •Use reflective accounts to show learning from mistakes or challenging interactions, such as a disagreement with a colleague, explaining how you resolved it professionally and what you would do differently.

    Qualification Units

    23 units

    How this qualification is graded

    Vocational qualifications are marked against criteria, not an exam percentage. Each unit is assessed across three bands - build up from Pass by applying your knowledge to realistic workplace scenarios.

    Pass

    Accurately describe and explain the core knowledge for the unit and link it to the given scenario.

    Merit

    Apply and analyse that knowledge in detail, showing why it matters in the workplace context.

    Distinction

    Evaluate and justify decisions, weigh up alternatives and make well-reasoned professional recommendations.

    Provide support for therapy sessions

    This element focuses on the support worker's role in facilitating therapy sessions within schools, such as speech and language, occupational, or physiotherapy. It covers the rationale behind therapeutic interventions, preparation tasks, direct support during sessions, accurate observation and recording, and contributions to session reviews. Mastery ensures that learners can effectively assist therapists and promote pupils' progress in a holistic educational context.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults

    This subtopic explores the essential skills and knowledge required to establish and maintain effective communication and professional relationships within a school environment. It equips learners to interact appropriately with children and young people at different developmental stages, collaborate respectfully with adults, and apply legal frameworks such as data protection legislation to safeguard confidentiality. The focus is on building positive relationships that support learning and well-being while adhering to organisational policies and professional boundaries.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Child and young person development

    This subtopic covers the expected developmental milestones from infancy to adolescence, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects, and examines how factors like environment, relationships, and life changes can shape a child's growth. It equips learners to support children's development in educational settings by recognizing individual needs and the impact of transitions such as starting school or family changes.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Move and position individuals in accordance with their plan of care

    This subtopic addresses the safe, dignified movement and positioning of individuals in school settings, integrating knowledge of relevant anatomy, legislative frameworks, and personalised care plans. Learners develop competency in risk assessment, preparation, and collaborative practice, ensuring the pupil's comfort and preventing injury. Mastery demonstrates a commitment to upholding children's rights and promoting independence within educational support roles.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people

    This element focuses on the pivotal safeguarding role of teaching assistants within schools, ensuring they understand the legislative backbone like the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and e-safety protocols. It equips learners with the know-how to identify, respond to, and record concerns about child abuse, harm, or bullying, while also embedding correct procedures for managing illness or injury, including emergencies. Practical application involves confidently applying school policies to protect children's welfare and contributing to a safe educational environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Provide displays in schools

    This subtopic focuses on the practical skills and theoretical knowledge required to create, manage, and remove educational displays in a school setting. Learners will develop their ability to interpret school policies, design engaging and inclusive displays, use appropriate tools and materials safely, and maintain displays over time to support a positive learning environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Contribute to supporting bilingual learners

    This element focuses on the role of the teaching assistant in fostering an inclusive learning environment for bilingual learners. It covers practical strategies for effective interaction, scaffolding language development, and adapting learning activities to ensure curriculum access. The aim is to promote both academic achievement and the learner's confidence in their home language and the target language.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Support extra-curricular activities

    This subtopic focuses on the teaching assistant's role in supporting school extra-curricular activities, including clubs, trips, or events. It covers the full process from preparation and risk assessment to delivery and concluding activities, as well as the importance of evaluating one's own performance to improve future practice.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Schools as organisations

    This element explores the structure and governance of educational institutions, focusing on the types of schools, their organisational hierarchy, and the underlying principles that guide their operation. Learners will develop an understanding of how schools implement statutory policies and uphold their aims, as well as the legal and ethical frameworks that influence daily practice. This knowledge is crucial for support staff to navigate their role effectively within the broader educational environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Support children and young people’s play and leisure

    This element focuses on the critical role of play and leisure in children's holistic development, exploring theoretical foundations and practical strategies for support. Learners develop skills to create inclusive, stimulating environments, balance risk with challenge, and use reflective practice to continuously enhance their provision. The aim is to equip practitioners to facilitate meaningful play experiences within educational settings.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support assessment for learning

    This subtopic focuses on the role of the teaching assistant in supporting assessment for learning (formative assessment) within educational settings. It covers understanding the principles and purposes of AfL, employing practical strategies to gather evidence of learning during lessons, and assisting learners in reflecting on their own progress. The aim is to empower learners through constructive feedback and to contribute to the cyclical review of teaching and learning practices.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Help improve own and team practice in schools

    This element focuses on developing the skills and knowledge required to critically evaluate and enhance personal performance while actively contributing to collaborative team practice within a school environment. Learners will explore methods for structured self-reflection, identifying areas for personal development, and understanding how their role intersects with and supports the wider staff team to improve outcomes for pupils.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support children and young people’s positive behaviour

    This subtopic covers the essential knowledge and skills required to promote positive behaviour and manage inappropriate behaviour in educational settings. Learners will explore policies, proactive strategies, and reactive techniques to support a positive learning environment, crucial for the teaching assistant role.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Support children and young people’s health and safety

    This subtopic equips learners with the essential knowledge and skills to promote and maintain a safe environment for children and young people in educational settings. It addresses the legal responsibilities under UK health and safety legislation, the practical application of risk assessment, and strategies for supporting children to manage their own safety. Emphasis is placed on the role of the teaching assistant in recognising hazards, responding to emergencies, and fostering a culture of vigilance and care.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Support children and young people’s travel outside of the setting

    This element focuses on the safe management of children's travel outside the educational setting, including understanding policies, risk assessments, and effective supervision during arrival, departure, and journeys. Practitioners must apply these procedures to ensure child safety, maintain accurate records, and support positive experiences during off-site activities, such as school trips or daily transport.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Invigilate tests and examinations

    This subtopic focuses on the role of an invigilator in maintaining the integrity and security of tests and examinations within a school setting. Learners will develop the ability to prepare the examination environment, support candidates before and during assessments, and adhere to strict regulatory procedures. Practical application ensures fair and consistent conditions for all candidates, aligning with awarding body and school policies.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Support children and young people at meal or snack times

    This unit element focuses on the practical skills and knowledge required to support children and young people during meal or snack times in educational settings. It covers the essential principles of nutrition, the benefits of healthy eating, strategies to encourage healthier choices, and the implementation of hygiene practices and school policies. Learners will develop the ability to promote positive eating habits while adhering to safeguarding and conduct guidelines, ensuring a safe and inclusive dining environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Support the use of information and communication technology for teaching and learning

    This element focuses on the practical skills and underpinning knowledge required to effectively support the integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into teaching and learning environments. It covers understanding school policies and procedures, preparing hardware and software resources, and providing hands-on support to pupils and teachers to enhance learning outcomes through technology. Mastery ensures that support staff can contribute to safe, engaging, and inclusive ICT-based activities in schools.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

    Support learning activities

    This element equips teaching assistants with the skills to effectively support the planning, preparation, delivery, and evaluation of learning activities, ensuring all learners are engaged and make progress. It emphasises collaboration with the teacher, accurate observation and reporting of learner participation, and critical self-evaluation of one’s own role in promoting literacy, numeracy, and ICT skills within the learning environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Equality, diversity and inclusion in work with children and young people

    This element explores the fundamental principles of equality, diversity and inclusion within educational settings. It examines how practitioners can proactively promote positive values and counteract prejudice, ensuring that all children and young people feel valued and supported. Learners will develop the knowledge and skills to implement inclusive practices that respect individual differences and foster a sense of belonging.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

    Support children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs

    This subtopic focuses on the practical strategies and legal frameworks required to effectively support children and young people with disabilities and special educational needs (SEN) in educational settings. It emphasises understanding individual rights, recognising diverse needs, and actively promoting inclusion to enable full participation in all aspects of school life.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes8 guidance points

    Maintain and support relationships with children and young people

    This element focuses on the essential skills needed to communicate effectively with children and young people, and to foster positive, professional relationships that support their learning and wellbeing. It also covers strategies to encourage and support interactions between children and their peers and with other adults in the educational setting, promoting a collaborative and inclusive environment.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes9 guidance points

    Prepare and maintain learning environments

    This element focuses on the practical skills required to set up, organize, and sustain effective learning spaces in school settings. Learners will demonstrate the ability to select, prepare, and safely use materials and resources that support teaching activities, while also monitoring the environment to ensure it remains conducive to learning and complies with health and safety standards. Mastery of these competencies is essential for supporting teachers and facilitating pupil engagement in a dynamic classroom context.

    IQ Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

    1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

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